Thinking about a Bronco or Ranger… which one’s better?

Hey everyone, I need some opinions on either getting a newer model Bronco or a Ranger.

I’m planning to upgrade my daily driver sometime in late 2022. My girlfriend has a Bronco Sport, and she’s been getting around 28-30mpg on the highway using eco mode. So, I was wondering if anyone here has experience with both the Bronco and Ranger when it comes to MPG?

I really like the cargo space on the Sport, and I love the idea of owning a Bronco because of sentimental reasons. But with the Bronco costing around $10k more than the Ranger, I’m trying to see if there’s any practical reason to justify the price.

Appreciate your input!

Both the Ranger and Bronco share the same platform, so fuel economy won’t be very different. A 4x4 Ranger and a 2.3L Bronco are basically the same truck, but the Bronco is better for recreation. Comparing it to the Bronco Sport doesn’t quite work since the Sport is based on the Escape and has a different AWD system.

If you want something with a removable top for sunny weather, go for the Bronco. Otherwise, the Ranger is a more practical option since it doesn’t come with all the compromises of a removable roof.

@Ozzie
You’d think they’d be close, but the Bronco’s boxy design really hurts its fuel economy. You’re looking at around 17mpg on the highway compared to the Ranger’s 24mpg with the same engine and transmission.

@Tian
17mpg sounds rough… that’s about the same as my work truck, which weighs 7k lbs. Thanks for the info on both. 24mpg for a daily driver sounds great.

Dallas said:
@Tian
17mpg sounds rough… that’s about the same as my work truck, which weighs 7k lbs. Thanks for the info on both. 24mpg for a daily driver sounds great.

Wait… 7k lbs?

@Tian
Yeah, I’ve got a 2019 F150 with a V8, long box, and added equipment like a heavy-duty front guard and tools, so I’m estimating around 7k lbs total. It gets 17mpg in summer, which is way better than my old 5.4 F150 that barely managed 11mpg.

I need something smaller for daily use but still flexible enough for small jobs, hauling tools, and the occasional hunting trip with the dog. I rack up a crazy amount of miles each year.

@Tian
It’s funny how the Bronco gets the same 17mpg whether it’s city or highway driving.

I’ve driven both vehicles quite a bit. Used the Ranger daily last year and recently spent a couple of weeks driving a Bronco.

With the 2.3L Ranger, I averaged around 22mpg on a 64-mile round trip commute, mostly highway. The Ranger I drove was a fully loaded Lariat without a tow package.

With the 2.3L Bronco Big Bend (2-door, Sasquatch package, 35-inch tires), I got around 17mpg on the same commute. The 4-door non-Sasquatch Bronco did a bit better, averaging around 19mpg.

Ranger Pros: Comfortable seats, decent power, and a good-sized bed for light hauling.

Ranger Cons: The back seat is pretty tight, and it’s not great for long trips with multiple passengers.

Bronco Pros: Fun to drive, comfortable seats, and more interior space compared to the Ranger. The 4-door version has good rear seat space and lots of cargo room. Also, SYNC 4 with wireless CarPlay is a big plus.

Bronco Cons: Bad fuel economy, lots of wind noise (both with the soft and hard tops), and the base stereo is terrible. Also, the phone charging pad doesn’t work well.

If you want more details, feel free to ask. I didn’t cover off-roading, but I can share more if needed.

@Gale
This is exactly the kind of info I needed. Thanks so much!

Dallas said:
@Gale
This is exactly the kind of info I needed. Thanks so much!

No problem, happy to help.

Depends on what you need it for. Want to tow? Get the Ranger. Want something for off-roading and open-top fun? Go for the Bronco.

Kim said:
Depends on what you need it for. Want to tow? Get the Ranger. Want something for off-roading and open-top fun? Go for the Bronco.

Thanks! I don’t tow much, maybe a small trailer with a lawnmower. I’ve got an F150 for heavy jobs.

@Dallas
If you’re keeping the F150, you might as well order a Bronco and wait for it to arrive. Just know that the Bronco’s towing capacity maxes out at 3,500 lbs.

The interior of the Ranger feels outdated compared to the Bronco, which also offers more space inside.

Gale said:
The interior of the Ranger feels outdated compared to the Bronco, which also offers more space inside.

I own a Ranger, and I agree. It feels a bit cramped, especially for taller people. I’m around 5’10", and it’s tight but manageable.

Gale said:
The interior of the Ranger feels outdated compared to the Bronco, which also offers more space inside.

The Ranger is due for an update soon.

Kim said:

Gale said:
The interior of the Ranger feels outdated compared to the Bronco, which also offers more space inside.

The Ranger is due for an update soon.

Probably coming in 2023 for the US. Might be worth waiting to see how the updated version turns out.

Gale said:
The interior of the Ranger feels outdated compared to the Bronco, which also offers more space inside.

Yeah, the interface and controls feel old. It’s basically the same as the previous-gen Edge. The update should improve things.